Agricultural Sector

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:49): I seek leave to make a brief explanation prior to addressing a question to the Minister for Primary Industries on the topic of the unprecedented dry season impacting on SA farming communities.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: After a very late start to the cropping season, many farmers sowed dry in the hope that following rains would support crop growth. However, there has been little rainfall since and, after a prolonged dry period, it is evident that many crops will not make it through to provide a commercial return. The recent severe frosts have added to the setback. Some farmers have decided to abandon the hope of harvesting grain and are instead cutting crops for hay where they can. Others are hoping that they may at least get their seed back.

Even traditionally wetter cropping areas such as the South-East are reporting that the prolonged dry spell would not enable the crop to fill. There is widespread despondency, with some resigning themselves to losing the current season. The shortage of rainfall and stock feed has led to an escalation of feed prices, making it extremely expensive for those needing to feed their stock. My questions to the minister are:

1. What measures are the government taking to provide support and assistance to farmers and farming communities doing it tough?

2. Will the government consider providing assistance to farmers to ensure that they can freight fodder over from other states to maintain adequate feed for animal welfare purposes? Can the minister also provide details as to what that practical assistance actually means?

3. Will the government consider partnering with the commonwealth government, as was done in 2019-20, to turn on the desalination plant to allow for irrigation out of the Murray Darling Basin for fodder production and, if not, why not?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:52): I thank the honourable member for her question. It is indeed accurate that significant parts of South Australia are experiencing dry seasonal conditions. Recent rainfall deficiencies remain severe across the agricultural regions in South Australia.

For the seven-month period since February 2024, areas with lowest on record, severe or serious rainfall deficiencies—so record low rainfall totals or in the lowest 5 or 10 per cent of periods respectively since 1900—extend along agricultural regions of South Australia into western Victoria. Areas with lowest on record rainfall include parts of Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula and other agricultural regions.

The long-range forecast for September to November, issued on 29 August 2024 by the Bureau of Meteorology, indicates a 50 per cent chance of above medium rainfall for southern parts of South Australia. The Department of Primary Industries and Regions is monitoring current seasonal conditions very closely and working with industry to understand the impact of the current dry season. A lack of grazing pasture has substantially increased hay and feed grain demand, with many areas experiencing shortages of stock feed and significantly increased fodder prices.

The state government provides a range of support services to rural business and regional communities affected by hardship and adverse events such as drought, bushfires, severe floods and storms, biosecurity outbreaks, industry downturns and, previously, COVID-19. Any primary producer and small farming business owner who is experiencing financial difficulty or is impacted by the dry conditions can seek assistance from PIRSA's family and business mentors or the Rural Financial Counselling Service.

The combination of the Rural Financial Counselling Service and the Family and Business Support Program provides a comprehensive gateway to wellbeing and business support services that is well recognised and, I think, very much valued by regional communities. These services provide a confidential triage service that connects individuals, families and businesses to specific services such as the Farm Household Allowance and other assistance during difficult situations.

The Australian and South Australian governments have invested in programs to help farmers grow and prepare their businesses for dry conditions, such as the Farm Business Resilience Program, climate tools, and demonstrating more drought-resilient farming practices under the Future Drought Fund. There is also support for drought readiness through the Farm Management Deposit Scheme, income tax averaging and other primary producer concessions.

PIRSA is working with Livestock SA to determine what additional support producers require as more information becomes available. Livestock SA is expanding their existing Red Meat Connect program to meet the demand for additional information on managing stock through these dry conditions. It is understood that Rural Aid has delivered 16 road trains of hay to registered farmers in the Mid North region and some in other parts of South Australia. I am advised that Need for Feed has also donated fodder to the South-East region.

A roundtable meeting of key stakeholders was held on 16 September 2024 in Naracoorte in response to concerns raised regarding the current season on the Limestone Coast. The round table brought together relevant stakeholders to discuss the issues being experienced in the regions, particularly by livestock, dairy and mixed farmers, and any cross-border impacts. Given the lack of improvement in conditions and the long-range forecast, PIRSA is escalating its monitoring of the statewide dry seasonal conditions and will meet regularly with a broad range of industry bodies to identify statewide impacts and emerging issues in all sectors.

Each region, I think it is fair to say, has unique challenges, including production systems, lived experience of drought previously, levels of preparedness and ability to manage challenging seasons. Many are seeking additional information, and PIRSA is keen to provide support in combination with industry associations wherever possible.